Upgrading your home entertainment system doesn't require a massive investment. With smart choices and strategic purchases, you can dramatically improve your viewing and listening experience for under $500. These upgrades focus on the biggest bang for your buck, from streaming devices to display improvements that will transform your living room into an entertainment hub.
How We Choose Our Picks
Studio Supplies is an editorial affiliate publication. We do not operate a hands-on testing lab. Our recommendations are based on:
- Aggregated test results from independent publications including RTINGS, Wirecutter, Tom's Guide, The Verge, and PCMag
- Verified manufacturer specifications
- Long-term owner sentiment from specialist communities (cited inline)
- Editorial judgment on price, availability, and ecosystem fit
See full methodology at /pages/methodology. All cited sources are listed at the end of this article.
1. Roku Premiere 4K HDR Streaming Player
Best Streaming Upgrade
4K HDR streaming with HDMI cable included. Tom's Guide's review describes it as an inexpensive way to add 4K HDR streaming to an older TV, with Roku's strong content search across hundreds of services as a particular strength (Tom's Guide). Per Roku's product page, HDR support is limited to HDR10 — there is no Dolby Vision or HDR10+.
2. Sony 77" 4K OLED TV Bundle
Best Picture Quality
Premium 77" OLED display. RTINGS' full review of the Sony A80L (XR-77A80L) notes the WOLED panel delivers near-infinite contrast with perfect blacks, accurate HDR and Dolby Vision tone mapping, and strong motion handling (RTINGS). TechRadar's review similarly praises it as a fantastic mid-range OLED for movie viewing (TechRadar).
3. LG 49" Smart LED TV
Best Budget Display
49-inch 1080p smart TV with built-in streaming apps. A capable size for bedrooms or secondary viewing areas. We did not find a Tier-1 review of this exact LG 1080p model; specifications (panel size, resolution, smart-app support) are per LG's published spec sheet on lg.com. Buyers comparing 1080p budget displays may want to consult RTINGS' broader TV testing database for current options at this size and price.
4. Wireless Surround Sound System
Best Audio Upgrade
A 5.1 wireless system can meaningfully improve dialogue clarity and spatial effects compared to TV speakers alone. RTINGS maintains a regularly-updated guide to 5.1 soundbar systems with wireless satellites and subwoofers — useful as a starting point when choosing within budget (RTINGS — Best 5.1 Soundbars). Configuration and channel layout vary by product; check that the system you choose includes wireless rear satellites if that's the format you want.
5. Universal Remote Control
Best Convenience
A universal remote can consolidate multiple device controllers and, in some cases, integrate with smart-home routines. Tom's Guide previously rated the Logitech Harmony Elite as a category benchmark, though it notes Logitech has discontinued its Harmony line (Tom's Guide). Buyers should evaluate currently-supported alternatives such as SofaBaton or Sevenhugs, and verify ongoing app/cloud support before purchase.
6. HDMI Audio Extractor
Best Audio Solution
An HDMI audio extractor pulls the audio signal out of an HDMI stream so it can be routed into a legacy stereo receiver, headphone amp, or older A/V system that lacks HDMI inputs. We did not find a Tier-1 published review of a specific extractor in this category. When choosing, check supported HDMI version, HDCP compatibility (especially for 4K HDR sources), and which audio formats pass through (PCM vs. Dolby/DTS bitstream) on the manufacturer's spec sheet.
7. LED Light Strips
Best Ambiance
Bias lighting behind a TV can reduce perceived eye strain and improve perceived contrast in dim rooms. TechHive's category guide explains the principle and recommends targeting strips at roughly 6500K with a high color rendering index (CRI 90+) for the most accurate viewing experience (TechHive). For sync-with-content RGB strips that follow on-screen color, Android Central's review of the Govee Immersion TV backlight describes its camera-based capture approach (Android Central).
8. Streaming Media Hub
Best Organization
An HDMI switcher or matrix consolidates multiple source devices (streaming sticks, console, Blu-ray) into a single TV input and can simplify cable management. We did not find a Tier-1 published review of a specific switcher product to cite here; key specs to compare from manufacturer documentation are HDMI version, supported resolution and refresh rate (e.g., 4K/60 vs. 4K/120), HDR pass-through, and HDCP version.
9. Wireless Gaming Controller
Best Gaming Experience
For PC and cross-platform play, Wirecutter's most recent guide to PC gaming controllers names the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller its top pick after years of testing, with the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C as a smaller-handed alternative (Wirecutter). Either is a solid choice in the under-$100 range that pairs over Bluetooth or USB-C with most modern systems.
10. Voice Assistant Speaker
Best Smart Integration
For Alexa-based smart-home control plus music playback, The Verge called the 2025 Echo Studio "perhaps the best-sounding smart speaker I've tested, regardless of brand, manufacturer, or even price" in their full review (Trusted Reviews coverage of the same model). For smaller rooms or budget setups, Tom's Guide's smart-speaker roundup covers current Echo Dot and Nest options at lower price points (Tom's Guide).
Sources & Citations
- Tom's Guide, "Roku Premiere Review: Inexpensive 4K, Cheap Design," tomsguide.com
- RTINGS, "Sony A80L/A80CL OLED Review (XR-55A80L, XR-65A80L, XR-77A80L, XR-83A80L)," rtings.com
- TechRadar, "Sony A80L review: a fantastic mid-range OLED TV for movie lovers," techradar.com
- LG, "LG 49LH570A 49-inch 1080p Smart LED TV — product page / spec sheet," lg.com
- RTINGS, "The 3 Best 5.1 Soundbars," rtings.com
- Tom's Guide, "Best universal remotes to control your home media system," tomsguide.com
- TechHive, "Best bias lighting for TVs and monitors," techhive.com
- Android Central, "Govee Immersion TV backlight review," androidcentral.com
- Wirecutter (NYT), "The 3 Best PC Gaming Controllers," nytimes.com/wirecutter
- Trusted Reviews, "Amazon Echo Studio (2025) Review" (citing The Verge's assessment), trustedreviews.com
- Tom's Guide, "Best smart speakers — Alexa, Google, and Siri tested," tomsguide.com
For specific findings linked inline above, see each citation. See our full Editorial Methodology for how we select and verify sources.
Last verified: 2026-04-20
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